BROOKSVILLE, Fla. — Officials with the Hernando County Schoold District are considering a proposed program that could help address the current school counselor shortage.

What You Need To Know

  • Officials with the Hernando County Schoold District are considering a proposed program that could help address the current school counselor shortage
  • District officials say they currently have seven school counselor positions to fill
  • As part of the program, current employees who have been with the district at least three years would be eligible to go back to school to get their master's degree

  • After the three-year program, they would agree to remain with the district for at least five years

The Hernando School District is working to fill seven school counselor positions, and administrators say they are having difficulty filling them.

“Schools have a more acute need — students are needing more,” said Carrie Wilson, Hernando County School District's supervisor of school counseling services. “I think there’s always been a little bit more need, but I think teachers and principals and families are starting to realize how important school counselors can be to their school and to their students.”

A proposed program and partnership could help address the problem going forward.

“We are looking to offer scholarships for our current employees to go back to school and get their master’s degree, and we’re looking to pay for that,” Wilson said.

Eligible candidates would complete a three-year program through a partnership with Grand Canyon University in Arizona. In addition, the employee would agree to remain with the district at least five years.

Wilson said that take the internal investment and expertise and put it right back into guiding local students.

Wilson, a former teacher, said instructors can also provide unique insight as counselors, thanks to their firsthand experience with students' need for emotional and academic support.

“We want to get those vital school counselors in — in front of those students," she said. "We want parents to feel more connected to our school counselors. We want students to be able to access their school counselors."

Part of the proposal, which has been presented to the Hernando County School Board, also calls for a partnership with St. Leo University to support a pipeline for future administrative positions.

“We’re excited to offer this customized master’s program for Hernando County teachers,” said Dr. Jodi Lam, a professor of education and associate director of graduation for St. Leo University. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who want to grow in their careers, and the financial benefit will help these future leaders achieve their dreams.”

The school board is expected to vote on the proposal at the end of July. District officials say they hope to launch the program in the fall.